There are a few interesting aspects of this paper:

1.  For those interested in economics, Jay presents a mercantilist perspective.  Jay writes that if American shipping grows, it must grow at the expense of other nations.  In other words, Jay does not subscribe to the notion of a “growing pie” that supply-siders advocate.

2.  The gravaman of Jay’s argument is economy of scale.  Jay writes of military affairs and explains that a pooling of resources can create a larger and more efficient force than 13 separate forces. 

3.  Interestingly, to highlight his economy of scale argument, Jay praises the United Kingdom and its combination of the resources of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland rather than four separate armies or navies.  This is quite a queer pick as Jay is praising a nation that the states have just recently engaged in battle.

~PUBLICOLA